The Appropriate Scale Mechanization Innovation Hub (ASMIH) -Bangladesh project is funded by the United States Feed the Future Program and USAID, and the project is running with the technical assistance of the Sustainable Intensification Innovation Lab (SIIL), Kansas State University, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA, in the Department of Farm Power and Machinery under the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology of Bangladesh Agricultural University, according to a press release.
The project has long been involved in research on the innovation and use of suitable agricultural machinery technology for field use in Bangladesh. In addition to research, the project is making a commendable contribution to accelerating the agricultural mechanisation programme adopted by the government of Bangladesh by imparting the invented technologies to the farmers through training and demonstration.
The ASMIH-Bangladesh project established a knowledge-based platform called "Smart Agro-Technology Innovation Youth Network" or "SAIYN" in May 2021 under the Department of Farm Power and Machinery to spread modern agricultural machinery and technology ideas among the youth.
SAIYN is a youth organisation based on the concepts of the University of Illinois called 4H, which represents Head, Heart, Hand, and Health. To encourage young people to innovate modern agricultural machinery and technology, the SAIYN Platform will enhance the skills of young people around the world by building friendly communication so that they can build a hunger and poverty-free, happy and prosperous green world through their creative innovations.
In addition to the Bangladesh Agricultural University, there are seven other universities in the country (Hajee Mohammad Danesh University of Science and Technology, Sylhet Agricultural University, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Islamic University of Technology, Khulna Agricultural University, and Jashore University of Science and Technology) that are involved.
Considering the global corona situation, the official inauguration of SAIYN started on August 26, 2021, with the theme "Think great, do great, innovate for green planet" through Zoom online video conferencing.
ASMIH-Bangladesh Project Director and Pro of the Department of Farm Power and Machinery Dr Md Monjurul Alam gave his welcome speech at the inaugural ceremony. The event was graced by Director of the Appropriate Scale Mechanization Consortium (ASMC) Dr Prasanta K Kalita, and Student Affairs Adviser A K M Zakir Hossain from the Bangladesh Agricultural University. Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh Agricultural University Prof Dr Lutful Hasan was present as the chief patron of the programme.
Associate Director of ASMIH-Bangladesh project and Pro of the Department of Farm Power and Machinery Dr Chayan Kumer Saha described the reasons behind the establishment of the newly formed "Smart Agro-Technology Innovation Youth Network (SAIYN)".
At the end of the introductory session, the ambassador (chief coordinator), advisors, and mentors of SAIYN gave their welcome speech.
Mr Subrata Ranjan Das, Executive Director, ACI Motors Ltd delivered his speech as National Advisor of SAIYN.
Director of the Appropriate Scale Mechanization Consortium (ASMC) of the University of Illinois at Urbana Champagne Prof Dr Prasanta K Kalita unveiled the official logo of SAIYN.
He also declared the winner of the SAIYN Logo contest and handed over a check of USD 200 and a certificate to the winners.
Chief adviser of SAIYN Pro Dr Md Monjurul Alam unveiled the screen of "SAIYN Idea Competition-2021" at the event.
Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Pro Dr Md Nazrul Islam, who presided over the programme, gave the closing speech.
